Arrowhead Trail – Henderson

Before the numbered highways, roads had names, and this one had an arrowhead. The Arrowhead Trail took its name from the logo of the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad, and this segment through the Henderson area followed an old reach of the Old Spanish Trail. As automobiles caught on between 1916 and 1924, the route became a popular early auto road linking Salt Lake City and Los Angeles, and communities along it pushed for its construction and the tourist traffic it might bring—touting the nearby Valley of Fire. It later became U.S. 91, then Interstate 15.

What the plaque says

The name, “Arrowhead Trail” likely originated from the former San Pedro, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake Railroad, which had an arrowhead for a logo. Prior to 1850, New Mexican trading caravans from Santa Fe en route to Los Angeles used this segment of the Old Spanish Trail. Heading south along this trail toward Bishop Mountain, travelers turned through El Dorado pass, and continued to Nelson, Searchlight, Nipton, Wheaton Springs, and on to San Bernardino. This section of the trail was popular as an early automobile road (1916-1924) connecting Salt Lake City and Los Angeles. Local communities along the route promoted its construction and the tourism possibilities of Southern Nevada, including the nearby Valley of Fire, Nevada’s first state park.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Hoover Dam — 13 mi
  The 726-foot Depression-era colossus that tamed the Colorado and made Las Vegas possible
• Las Vegas Strip — 14 mi
  Four and a quarter miles of engineered spectacle — the most famous street in America (and it isn't in Las Vegas)
• Lake Mead National Recreation Area — 15 mi
  The largest reservoir in the country — and its most legible drought gauge
• Fremont Street — 16 mi
  Glitter Gulch — the neon canyon where Las Vegas actually began

More markers nearby

• Old Spanish Trail (Armijo’s Route) — 7.6 mi
• Rafael Rivera — 8.6 mi
• Eldorado Canyon — 12 mi
• The Morelli House — 15 mi